Higher Education Management of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Student Perceptions and Satisfaction

This study investigates students’ perceptions and overall satisfaction with the management of the COVID-19 pandemic by their university. A qualitative study was conducted at a public university in Cyprus. Semi-structured interviews with undergraduate and graduate students were used to collect data on the perceived strengths and weaknesses of university actions and policies in relation to the pandemic. According to the findings, the main strengths were the university's prompt response to the pandemic and the specific measures it adopted to manage the crisis. The perceived weaknesses concerned unpopular measures, the efficacy of instructors, technical problems in online teaching and learning, and insufficient resources and support. Respondents were very critical of the separation of students into two categories, namely, the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated, which they considered to be a form of discrimination and exclusion. The paper discusses the implications of the findings for the management of higher education institutions at times of crisis, with reference to the formulation of educational policy to address student needs and to leadership models which can inform relevant policy measures and initiatives.